The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to address gaps in implementing menstrual hygiene management measures in schools, stressing that merely recognising menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right is insufficient unless the right becomes meaningful, workable, and effectively enforced on the ground.
Today, On 30th January, The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to menstrual health, mandating free sanitary pads and separate toilets in schools. It said menstrual hygiene ensures reproductive health, equality, dignity, and fair opportunity for every girl.